On a night that will be remembered by Vietnamese football fans for years to come, U23 Vietnam delivered a performance of grit, tactical acumen, and just the right amount of flair to edge past U23 Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final round of Group A at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. The match, held at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium on January 12, 2026, saw the Vietnamese squad, led by coach Kim Sang Sik, not only secure a spot in the quarterfinals but also top their group with a perfect nine points—an achievement that underscores the team’s relentless rise on the continental stage.
Coming into this decisive encounter, the stakes could hardly have been higher. U23 Vietnam, already sitting atop Group A with six points from two matches, knew that a draw would suffice to send them through as group leaders. However, with U23 Jordan snapping at their heels and U23 Saudi Arabia desperate for redemption after a shock defeat to Jordan, the margin for error was razor-thin. The permutations were dizzying: Vietnam could even afford a narrow defeat and still progress, but a heavy loss—combined with a Jordanian win over Kyrgyzstan—could spell disaster. Yet, as the final whistle sounded, it was Vietnam’s players who celebrated, their passage to the next round secured by a single, well-taken goal and a defensive display that frustrated their hosts at every turn.
Coach Kim Sang Sik sprang surprises before a ball was even kicked, announcing a starting lineup featuring four changes from the previous match against Kyrgyzstan. Notably, star forward Nguyễn Đình Bắc was left on the bench due to lingering fitness concerns, while mainstays Nguyễn Lê Phát and Quốc Việt also started among the substitutes. In their place, Lê Viktor made his tournament debut, joined by Ngọc Mỹ, Anh Quân, and Công Phương—each making their first start at this championship. The reshuffle raised eyebrows, but it was a calculated risk designed to keep the squad fresh for the business end of the tournament.
In the opening exchanges, Saudi Arabia threw everything at the Vietnamese defense, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and the urgency of their situation. Within the first minute, they surged forward, testing goalkeeper Trung Kiên with an early shot that whistled wide. Vietnam, however, weathered the storm with composure. Trung Kiên was called into action repeatedly, making a series of crucial saves—including a spectacular stop from a close-range header by Thamer Al Khaibri in the 41st minute that cannoned off the post. The first half ended goalless, a result that suited Vietnam just fine, but the tension in the stadium was palpable.
As the second half began, coach Kim Sang Sik rolled the dice, introducing Đình Bắc and Lê Phát in place of Công Phương and Lê Viktor. The impact was almost immediate. In the 64th minute, Ngọc Mỹ broke down the left and delivered a precise pass to Đình Bắc, who coolly slotted the ball into the far corner to give Vietnam the lead. The goal sent the Vietnamese bench into raptures and forced Saudi Arabia to chase the game, leaving them increasingly vulnerable at the back.
Despite the mounting pressure, Vietnam’s defense held firm. Trung Kiên, in particular, was a colossus between the posts, denying Abdulaziz and Abdulrahman Al Obaid with quick reflexes and commanding his area with authority. The midfield, marshaled by Văn Khang and Thái Sơn, broke up Saudi attacks and launched dangerous counters. Lê Phát nearly doubled the lead with a blistering run reminiscent of an F1 car, only to be thwarted by the quick-thinking Saudi goalkeeper.
“I want you to stick to the tactics, play your hearts out, and give everything in the first 45 minutes. The opponent wants to win, but we must be calm, cautious, and above all, focused. Avoid mistakes and never underestimate them,” coach Kim Sang Sik reminded his players before the match—a message that clearly resonated throughout the contest.
As the clock ticked down, Saudi Arabia’s attacks became increasingly desperate, lacking the organization and composure needed to break down Vietnam’s disciplined backline. In the dying minutes, Thanh Nhàn replaced Ngọc Mỹ, and Vietnam calmly saw out the final exchanges, even threatening to add a second through Thái Sơn, whose shot was comfortably saved.
The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation. With this victory, Vietnam not only clinched the group with a perfect nine points but also extended their remarkable winning streak to 14 consecutive official matches under coach Kim Sang Sik—a record unmatched in the nation’s football history. Remarkably, the team’s six wins at U23 Asian Championships now equal the combined total of all other Southeast Asian nations, further cementing their regional dominance.
“U23 Saudi Arabia doesn’t have anything outstanding, and their players’ quality doesn’t make a difference. Their physical structure and mentality are weak as well. Maybe this is the best team Saudi Arabia can assemble now, but it’s hard to build a strong national team based on this group,” remarked one Vietnamese analyst, reflecting on the gulf in performance between the two sides.
The result also means that Vietnam will face the second-placed team from Group B in the quarterfinals, with the draw scheduled for January 15 and matches to be played on March 28 and 29 at the home grounds of the top seeds. For coach Kim Sang Sik, the journey is far from over, but this victory—achieved with tactical flexibility, squad rotation, and unshakeable belief—has set the tone for what could be a historic run.
Looking back, it’s clear that the decision to rest key players like Đình Bắc paid dividends, ensuring freshness and sharpness when it mattered most. The emergence of youngsters such as Lê Viktor and the continued growth of talents like Lê Phát and Trung Kiên bode well for the future, not just for this tournament but for Vietnamese football as a whole.
For now, Vietnamese fans can savor a night of triumph, pride, and promise. Their team has conquered the group of death, silenced a fervent Saudi crowd, and marched on to the last eight of Asia’s premier U23 competition. The next chapter awaits—and with this blend of youth, experience, and tactical nous, who’s to say just how far Vietnam can go?